The Pittsburgh Pirates returned to PNC Park on Monday night to begin a three-game series with the Milwaukee Brewers. Pittsburgh is looking to play spoiler in this series, as Milwaukee is currently leading the Central Division by three games over the Chicago Cubs. The Pirates would get the best of the Brewers with a 4-2 victory.
Milwaukee jumped out to an early lead with two runs in the second inning. Victor Caratini brought home the first run of the night with a sac fly. Another sac fly, this one by Brice Turang, would give them their second and final run of the game. Jack Suwinski tied the game in the fourth with a two-run home run to center. A Ke’Bryan Hayes solo homer in the fifth gave Pittsburgh the lead, and Andrew McCutchen would add an insurance run with a double to left center later in the inning.
Luis Ortiz earned his fourth win of the season after working six innings. He allowed two runs on five hits with three walks and four strikeouts. Scoreless innings by Carmen Mlodzinski, struck out one batter while walking another and allowing a hit, and Colin Holderman, struck out one batter, would set the table for David Bednar to pick up his 32nd save of the season in the ninth.
Corbin Burnes pitched six innings for the Brewers, giving up four runs on seven hits with seven strikeouts. He was replaced by Hoby Miller in the seventh, allowing one hit and striking out two. Bryce Wilson worked a scoreless eighth, striking out one batter and giving up one hit.
McCutchen would leave the game early with left Achilles tendon tightness. Even without much to play for at this time of the year, it is nice to see the Pirates show up against a team looking to make a run in the postseason. Game two of this series will take place Tuesday night at 6:35pm. Brandon Woodruff will start for Milwaukee, while Pittsburgh has yet to name a starter.
Record vs. Brewers: 4-7
Record vs. N.L. Central: 20-24
Record at Home: 33-36
Overall Record: 64-74
And…
As Always…
Let’s Go Bucs!
